Thursday, February 28, 2013

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2013 (Evening Edition)



Benedict XVI's Time As Pope Ends -- CBC

Now called 'emeritus pope,' Benedict makes room for a new Catholic leader

"Thank you and goodnight," Pope Benedict XVI told crowds gathered outside his new home in the Italian countryside Wednesday, as he became the first pontiff to retire in almost six centuries.

Benedict's time as head of the Catholic Church came to an end at 2 p.m. ET today. At the Vatican, Benedict said his final goodbyes before a helicopter took him to Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome.

The end of Benedict's time as pope prompts an array of traditions: the corps of Swiss guards assigned to him will step aside, his papal ring will be destroyed and soon a conclave of cardinals from around the world will gather at the Vatican to select a new leader for the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

For his part, Benedict says he will live at Castel Gandolfo as "a pilgrim."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel, Turkey row over Zionism deepens rift between ex-allies.

Fortress Damascus now center of Syrian war.

Rome summit pledges help to Syrian opposition. U.S. will give Syrian rebels medical, food aid, not arms. U.S. pledges $60 million to Syrian opposition.

Jordan sees new surge in Syrians fleeing civil war.

Syria humanitarian crisis worsening day by day, warns Oxfam.

Iran nuclear talks constructive, Western diplomat says.

More Turkish generals detained over 1997 coup.

Iran charges ex-prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi over 'murders'.

Bombs kill at least 22 in Iraqi capital.

Iraq PM warns of Syria crisis spillover.

2 Palestinians in Israeli jail end hunger strike.

ASIA

New top diplomats in China signal focus on U.S., Japan, North Korea.

Terrorized ethnic group to form force in Pakistan.

Eye on election, India surprises with spending surge.

Thai leaders and Muslim rebels to talk peace.

Exclusive: China plans bond overhaul to fund $6 trillion urbanization - sources.

Bangladesh Jamaat leader sentenced to death. Bangladesh on the boil, 23 killed in fresh violence.

As Dennis Rodman visits, North Korea pledges ‘bitter hatred for the U.S.’.

Tweets, pics give real-time peek into North Korea.

Japan FM outlines North Korean strategy in VOA interview.

Japanese minister says he sees no end to whaling.

Japan PM Abe cites Thatcher reflections on Falklands war.

Australia makes largest meth seizure.

AFRICA

Kenya prepares for watershed elections.

Young Somali pirates offered amnesty amid 'drastic' fall in attacks.

Ethiopia elects new leader for Orthodox church.

Security Council asks for report on possible Mali peacekeepers.

Transition in Mali dominates ECOWAS meeting.

Congo rebels clash near Goma after political chief sacked.

Fresh violence threatens DR Congo peace deal. In Congo, 8 killed in clash between rival M23 factions.

South Africa economy sapped by lower exports to Europe.

South Africa shock as 'police dragging' video man dies.

EUROPE

Low-key departure as pope steps down.

Officials: France in Mali until July or later.

Kosovo turns to US for help in talks with Serbia.

Slovenian parliament ousts PM over corruption. Slovenia mandates new PM to halt dramatic decline.

French President on first Russia visit.

Hollande least popular French president in 30 years: poll.

Italian president says forming new government cannot be rushed.

Silvio Berlusconi under investigation for alleged bribery in Naples.

Panic in Greek pharmacies as hundreds of medicines run short.

AMERICAS

Blame game gets louder as U.S. budget cuts look inevitable. Doomed sequester fixes limp to Senate defeat.

U.S. economy grew 0.1% in fourth quarter. Economy expands at weakest pace since 2011.

White House: Release of illegal immigrants not our call. Release of about 300 illegal immigrants from federal custody in Arizona stirs up debate.

Duvalier set to appear in Haitian court.

Venezuela's Chavez clings to life, vice president says.

Rumours swirl as Chavez stays out of sight.

As Castro era drifts to close, a new face steps in at No. 2.

Mexico plays hardball in jailing of union boss.

Haiti launches 10-year plan to eradicate cholera yet UN funds fall short.

Argentina passes deal with Iran to probe Amia bombing.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee resettled to Turkey.

Algerian in Jihad Jane plot faces US extradition.

American Shabaab fighter urges Muslims to join the 'fronts' of jihad.

Al-Qaeda members detained in Istanbul, planned to attack synagogues and churches: report.

Al Qaeda is weak and bungling—but still dangerous (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google to be summoned over data grab 'excesses'.

EU clinches deal to cap bankers' bonuses.

Bankia turns in record loss of 19.2bn euros for 2012.

Shell abandons Arctic drilling in 2013.

No comments: